muk6 tau4木頭木头
Jyutpingmuk6 tau4
Yalemuhk tàuh
Definition
A piece of wood, or figuratively, a blockhead or fool.
- a piece of wood; timber
- figurativea slow-witted, dull, or foolish person; blockhead; doofus
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of a physical piece of wood, this term is frequently used as a metaphor for someone who is slow to react, socially awkward, or emotionally unresponsive. It carries a slightly derogatory tone when applied to people, implying they are as dull or unmoving as a log. When describing a person, it is almost always paired with the classifier 嚿 to emphasize their lack of life or intelligence.
Measure word
gau6嚿gauhExamples
He is just standing there like a block of wood, it is so frustrating.
Related words
Common phrases
like a log; completely unresponsive
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 樹木, which refers to living trees or the concept of timber in a forest. Use 木頭 specifically for detached pieces of wood or when insulting someone's lack of wit.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
